🕊️ Healing on the Sabbath

MORNING MESSAGE

Good Morning! Thank you for spending part of your morning with us! St. Augustine reminds us that our hearts long for something greater, something divine. As we start this new day, may we seek God's presence and find our rest in Him, for in Him alone can our restless hearts truly find peace and fulfillment. Have a blessed day ahead, grounded in faith and purpose.

- Catholic Captions Team

DAILY MASS READINGS
Readings from Today’s Holy Mass

Memorial of St. Anthony, Abbot
First Reading:  1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51
Responsorial: Psalms 144:1B, 2, 9-10
Alleluia: Matthew 4:23
Gospel Reading: Mark 3:1-6

REFLECTIONS
Gospel Reflection on Mark 3:1-6

In Mark 3:1-6, Jesus enters a synagogue where He encounters a man with a withered hand. The Pharisees closely watch Him to see if He would heal on the Sabbath, intending to accuse Him. Jesus, filled with compassion, asks the man to stretch out his hand, and it is restored. This act of healing provokes the Pharisees' anger, and they begin to plot against Jesus.

This passage invites us to reflect on the tension between religious rules and compassion, highlighting Jesus' willingness to prioritize healing over rigid observance of the Sabbath.

As we contemplate this passage, let us consider the importance of compassion in our faith. Jesus teaches us that acts of love and mercy should never be hindered by legalistic interpretations of religious laws. Instead, our faith should be expressed through caring for others, even on the holy day of rest. May we embrace Christ's example of compassion, allowing it to guide our actions and inspire us to prioritize the well-being of those in need over rigid traditions.

CATHOLIC NEWS
Headlines

🕊️ Massive Procession Honors Divine Shepherdess Virgin in Venezuela
Over 2.7 million people gathered in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, for a grand procession celebrating the Divine Shepherdess Virgin, a devotion dating back to 1703 in Seville, Spain. The event included a devotional race and a procession that spanned more than four miles, with Archbishop Emeritus Mariano Parra emphasizing the importance of understanding God's will and living in service to Christ. Meanwhile, Venezuelan bishops urged the nation to work towards peace, justice, and solidarity amidst various challenges and called for dialogue ahead of the upcoming presidential elections.

✝️ Pope Francis Expresses Hope for an Empty Hell in Italian TV Interview
Pope Francis made a significant appearance on Italy's popular prime-time talk show, attracting three million viewers. During the interview, the pope addressed topics such as the recent Vatican declaration on same-sex blessings, hinted at potential trips to Polynesia and Argentina, and shared his concern about nuclear armageddon. In a lighter moment, Pope Francis joked about his continued service as pope, emphasizing his commitment to serve as long as he can fulfill his duties effectively.

✝️ Pope Francis Embraces Spiritual Exercises for Lent
Pope Francis has called upon the Cardinals residing in Rome, heads of Dicasteries, and Superiors of the Roman Curia to dedicate the first week of Lent to Spiritual Exercises, emphasizing the importance of private, personal prayer. During this time, the Pope's engagements will be suspended, allowing these high-ranking officials to focus on their spiritual retreat. This gesture underscores the significance of introspection and prayer during the Lenten season.

SAINTLY STORIES
Saint Anthony the Abbot

Saint Anthony the Abbot, often referred to as Saint Anthony of Egypt, is a revered figure in early Christian monasticism. Born in Egypt around 251 AD, his life is a testament to asceticism, spiritual depth, and devotion to God.

Saint Anthony embraced a life of solitude and prayer in the desert, seeking a profound connection with God. His example inspired countless individuals to follow the eremitical, or hermit, way of life. His wisdom and spiritual insights attracted many seekers who came to him for guidance.

Saint Anthony's asceticism and resilience in the face of temptation became legendary, making him a symbol of the struggle against sin and the pursuit of holiness. His life of simplicity and devotion to God continues to inspire those in search of a deeper relationship with the Divine.

Saint Anthony the Abbot's feast day is celebrated on January 17th. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of a life dedicated to prayer, self-discipline, and unwavering faith, providing an enduring example for those who seek a contemplative and spiritually rich path within the Catholic tradition.ough her intercession, we draw nearer to the heart of Christ.

DIVINE DIVERSIONS
Word Scramble

Theme: Words associated with Mark 3:1-6

1. IERHALG

2. SHBTTAA

3. DIEREWHT

4. ERSIHAPY

5. YOAGSGNU

6. TPLIGTON

7. ETORSAR

Answers Below

ANSWERS
Word Scramble Answers

1. HEALING: the miraculous healing of the man's withered hand

2. SABBATH: the conflict related to healing on the Sabbath

3. WITHERED: the initial condition of the man's hand before it was miraculously healed by Jesus

4. PHARISEES: the religious group that questioned and confronted Jesus about the healing on the Sabbath

5. SYNAGOGUE: where the healing took place and where the Pharisees confronted Jesus

6. PLOTTING: the Pharisees' actions as they plotted against Jesus

7. RESTORED: the outcome of the healing, where the man's withered hand was restored to its normal condition

WEEKLY POLL
VOTE!

Did you make a New Year’s Resolution this year? Vote on our poll by clicking the link below. Results will be posted on Saturday!

Catholic Captions - WEEKLY POLL

FINAL THOUGHTS
Share!

We would love to continue to grow our community of faith! Please consider sharing with someone today. It could be family, friends, or members of your parish. Please copy and share the link below:

Catholic Captions Newsletter